A second resident was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation as a result of the incident shortly before 8.30am on Sunday.

Today, fire service representatives and two PCSOs were knocking on doors in the two streets.

Station Manager Wayne Gale led a team of community safety staff offering advice to residents

'People have been shocked'

Station Manager Wayne Gale, of Leicester’s Western fire station, said: “We are visiting people in their homes to see if they have working smoke alarms and have a fire escape plan in place in the event of a fire.

“Sunday’s serious fire has raised awareness among people living in the area and we are being welcomed into homes to offer people advice.

“People have been shocked by the risk to life and damage caused in Sunday’s fire.

Ruby Street resident Ann Munden with PCSO Steve Jackson and Julie Brogan from the fire service

"It’s unfortunate it takes an incident like this to raise awareness.

“Given the believed cause of fire, we urge residents to take our advice on candle safety; keep lit candles away from flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and make sure you do not leave lit candles unattended.”

What residents said

Ann Munden welcomed community safety educator Julie Brogan and PCSO Steve Jackson into her home, where smoke alarms were checked and an extra one fitted.

The 75-year-old said: “My son lives opposite and he checks my smoke alarms for me which he will probably do more regularly now.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the fire on Sunday.

"I saw a little girl running and looking concerned and then I saw a chap running fast past my window.

“I looked out and saw the flames coming out of the house, it was a big shock.